Detroit Metro Airport Bustling With Holiday Travelers

ROMULUS (WWJ) – While Santa won’t take to the skies until tomorrow night, millions across the country are getting their air travel in Friday.

WWJ’s City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas was at Detroit Metro Airport, where Tammy Martin was excited about surprising her kids with a trip to a warmer climate.

“Actually, we’re taking the kids to Orlando to Walt Disney World for Christmas. We just told them last night so they had to hurry up and pack their bags,” said Martin.

Melong Patel arrived at McNamara terminal with a giant smile on her face.

“We’re going to California today. It’s nice to get out of here and get some warm weather,” said Patel.

As expected, some passengers are experiencing frustration with the long lines, big crowds and airline regulations. Ruth-Ellen Fien from Akron, Ohio was dropping off her son who’s headed to Peru to see his girlfriend.

“He couldn’t take his girlfriend any peanut butter. They considered it a liquid, so we get to take it to our other son. She said she can’t get peanut butter in Peru, and I guess she still can’t,” said Fien.

Joshua Sky spent an unplanned night in Detroit after an issue on his flight.

“We were connecting here from Fort Meyers and we got stuck here overnight because our plane had a mechanical thing. So, we had a night in Detroit,” he said.

But Sky said he’s taking it all in stride.

“I’m just going with the flow and whatever happens. But I just want to see friends and family again and try to be optimistic about 2012,” said Sky.

AAA estimates almost three million Michiganders will travel over Christmas, with 92 percent going by car.